It’s no secret that HiFiMAN usually makes some pretty comfy headphones. I think that it’s unlikely that very many are going to be too disappointed by what they find in this department, regardless of which pair they going with – unless you simply find the Nano’s clamp force too biting. Technical Design And like the Sundara, this is not exactly an aesthetic upgrade, there are sonic differences also that, for me, improve on the Edition X V2. The Ananda Pitch Price Point In terms of DAPs, despite not being significantly more powerful than your average smartphone dongle, the Astell&Kern SR35 was excellent. Sonically it provided some smoothness in the highs that the treble sensitive might appreciate. It took to about volume level 100 (out of 150) to really feel like SR35 was really giving Ananda Nano everything it needed. The iBasso DX170 was my favorite portable source, with just stellar all around performance – only needed 50-60% volume for unbalanced, and it was absolutely singing when I grabbed a Meze Balanced cable for it.

HIFIMAN has also reworked the fit of the Ananda, and I think it’s an improvement, though will certainly vary in how its received. Historically, the company’s egg-shaped earcups have all been quite large, which results in a loose fit. It’s good for long-term comfort but was challenging if you also had a small head. At 5’ 8”, I always found them to be a bit looser than I would prefer, though wasn’t especially bothered by that quality. Resolution-wise, the Nano Diaphragm delivers an impeccable performance, and it also really pushes the Ananda Nano up a notch when it comes to speed. Detailed, fast transients are the result, which leads to the fact that even power metal is reproduced effortlessly and controlled. The Hifiman Ananda Nano was sent over by Hifiman for the purpose of this review, I received no monetary compensation nor was I influenced in any way to produce this review.Both headphones feature user-replaceable earpads, and the SR3’s earpads undergo a massive change in its sound signature depending on the type of earpad used. It comes with two different material earpads, one offering a warm, rounded signature, and the other offering an airy, balanced, and detailed signature. This effectively makes the SR3 a 2-in-1 deal of a headphone. The low-end is punchy and impactful despite its rather lean texture, it has excellent dynamic contrast but it doesn’t sound that weighty or visceral. Sub-bass extension is great while the bass is neutrally and linearly tuned without any signs of mid-bass emphasis and extra coloring. The transition to the mid-range is excellent without the slightest overlapping or any signs of bloating. Clarity is still phenomenal, the bass is textured and extremely well defined while it is agile, lighting fast and perfectly controlled even with the most demanding material. Plain and simple, the HIFIMAN Ananda Nano displays class leading technical performance in the low-end rendering. The acoustically transparent advanced magnet design significantly reduces turbulence, preserving the integrity of the sound waves. This reduced distortion results in pure and accurate sonic output across the entire frequency range. New Hybrid Design for Unmatched Comfort The hybrid headband design of the Ananda Nano evenly disperses weight along the strap, providing unparalleled comfort during extended listening sessions. The metal earcup holder enhances durability, ensuring years of listening pleasure. With 3.5mm inputs, you can enjoy enhanced connectivity and compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket cables. Updated Specifications Although you can’t use the Ananda BT with a classic audio cable, you can use a USB cable to connect them to a PC, smartphone or tablet. On the plus side (maybe?), you don’t need a DAC and an amplifier with this setup!

The bass range of the Ananda Nano is spot-on, despite its neutral characteristics, the Nano does a great job of reproducing impactful, blazing-fast bass. The infrasonic frequencies are easily felt, you can hear and feel the vibration of the massive planars less than half a centimeter away from your ears. The extension is excellent, it is not overemphasized or understated. All of this leads us to the Ananda Nano, and all I have to say is wow. But I guess you’re looking for more words than that.In terms of treble, both headphones shine. The Ananda Nano’s treble extends beautifully to the top octave without any shrill or glare, while the SR3 offers a polished and smoother performance. The SR3’s treble response strikes a delicate balance between detail retrieval and smoothness, allowing for an engaging listening experience that can be enjoyed for extended periods without causing fatigue. The detail retrieval capability of the Ananda Nano is far superior, but SR3’s polite treble still carries lots of detail for the treble sensitive audiophile. Hifiman has consistently impressed me with its offerings, and the Ananda Nano is no exception. I’ve always held Hifiman’s planar headphones in high regard, considering them the last stop before the electrostatics. Having used the Edition XS daily for a year, I’ve had ample opportunity to experience a variety of equipment alongside it. Before delving into the Nano’s sound, I’d like to elaborate on this point. Planar headphones indeed have a unique sound, distinct from dynamic driver headphones. The sensation I first experienced with the HE-6 was replicated when I switched from a dynamic driver headphone to a Hifiman with planar drivers. The Stealth Magnet that was designed for the SUSVARA is now part of the ANANDA NANO. This design is recognized for the way it enables soundwaves to pass through the magnets without causing interference. Diaphragm design based on the SUSVARA resulting in ultra-low distortion and lightning fast transient response